4. Can I do community service if I cannot afford my fines?

Usually, yes. One hour of community service discharges $10 worth of fines. But the judge in the case needs to sign off on it first.

For more information, call 702-671-3283 (for traffic cases) or 702-671-3201 (for criminal cases) or email [email protected].

5. What happens if I miss my court date?

Defendants in criminal cases who fail to appear (NRS 199.335) at a required hearing will have a bench warrant issued for their arrest. But there is a 30-day grace period if the case is in the traffic division.

Note that when a bench warrant is outstanding, the defendant is susceptible to arrest at any time. So if the defendant gets pulled over for a traffic stop and the officer runs a warrant check, the defendant can be arrested on the spot.

People can check if they have a warrant out of LVJC by calling 702-671-3201. Once a warrant has been issued, the defendant’s attorney can file a motion to quash the warrant asking the judge to schedule a hearing. In most cases, the defendant’s attorney can appear on his/her behalf at this hearing.

6. Where do I post bail?

For inmates whose cases are in Las Vegas Justice Court, people can post bail at the LJVC pretrial services window at 330 S. Casino Center Drive in the CCDC, right across the street from the Regional Justice Center.

The bail window is open 24/7. But note that people posting bail will need to go through a metal detector and may have their name checked for outstanding warrants.

LVJC accepts the following forms of bail payments:

• Cash in the exact amount (up to $10,000)
• Visa or MasterCard (up to $10,000)
• Cashier’s checks or money orders made payable to Las Vegas Justice Court, and including the inmate’s name and ID number

There is a $40 filing fee for bail payments, and a $50 filing fee for surety bond postings.

People can check bail amounts at the inmate search website or by calling Pretrial Services at 702-671-3285.

7. Is there free parking?

No. But there are several metered lots within a few blocks of LVJC. The nearest one is right across the street at 455 South 3rd Street. Drivers can pay by credit card.

People are encouraged to arrive at the Regional Justice Center early. It takes time to find a parking spot and go through security. Plus, people may need to wait in the courtroom for a while before their case is called.

8. Is there a dress code?

Yes. Dress conservatively: Shorts, tank tops, offensive T-shirts, and bare feet are forbidden. People must remove their hats before entering the courtroom.

9. Do I have to go to court if I live out-of-state?

Out-of-state defendants in criminal cases are advised to hire a Las Vegas criminal defense attorney. In most cases, defense attorneys can appear on defendants’ behalf without them ever having to appear. That way, defendants do not need to lose time or money on traveling back to Las Vegas for a case.

Note that defendants are always required to appear in person for preliminary hearings or trials.

10. Can I get an interpreter if I do not speak English?

Usually, yes. Call the LVJC court interpreter’s office 702-671-4581 to request a translator on a particular court date. If no one is available, people can bring a disinterested third-party to translate for them.

11. Can I bring guns to court?

No. Everyone entering the Regional Justice Center goes through security screening and a metal detector. So leave any and all weapons at home.

12. Can I get a public defender?

LVJC will assign defendants a public defender if they cannot afford to hire their own attorney. However, the Clark County Public Defenders Office is understaffed, and their lawyers cannot give full attention to their cases.

Meanwhile, most private criminal defense attorneys offer payment plans and reduced rates for defendants who need them. Therefore, defendants should consider hiring their own lawyer rather than relying on a public defender. Private counsel have the time and resources to fight for a better resolution for their cases.

13. Can I get my Justice Court records sealed?

Every case that resolves in LVJC can be sealed eventually. Most cases that get bound over to District Court can be sealed also, but not all.

If the case gets dismissed, then it can be sealed right away. But if the case ends in a conviction, there is a waiting period:

It takes several months and a lot of back-and-forth paperwork to complete the record seal process. Everyone is advised to hire a Nevada criminal defense lawyer to manage it.

14. Are there special procedures due to COVID 19?

Yes. The traffic division is closed. For information call 702-671-3444 or email [email protected].

People may be able to reschedule their court appearances by calling:

• Criminal Division at 702-671-3201
• Civil Division at 702-671-3478
• Traffic Division at 702-671-3444

Jury trials have been suspended until further notice.

Read the LVJC’s latest administrative orders.

Call our law firm for help. We offer consultations.